Aynsley Dunbar, "Blue Whale" (Charly / Byg)- This absorbing vehicle for the talents of highly regarded percussion ace Aynsley Dunbar and his like minded musical cohorts first saw the light of day long ago in 1970 and has now received a well deserved CD reissue courtesy of the good people at Charly Records. The much travelled Mr.Dunbar has worked with many of rock's leading lights over the years, including a lengthy stint with Frank Zappa and the Mothers, whose "Willie The Pimp" is given a thorough going over here. The contents also feature four other relatively lengthy tracks which showcase the instrumental artistry of the Liverpool born musician's sadly short lived venture into the world of bluesy psychedelia.

Lee Dorsey,”Ride Your Pony-Get Out Of My Life,Woman” (Charly)- The vinyl resurgence continues with the welcome reissue of this classic 1966 offering from soulman Lee Dorsey. Much of this affable character’s finest work was created in close collaboration with legendary producer Allen Toussaint and the two men really excelled themselves here with tracks such as “Can You Hear Me” and “Get Out Of My Life, Woman,” blending relaxed New Orleans rhythm and blues with his perenially good humoured brand of soul and funk.

Track Dogs, “Blind Summits & Hidden Dips” (Mondegreen Records)-The ranks of this eclectic roots music outfit include two Irishmen, an Englishman and an American, and they’ve been based in the Spanish capital of Madrid since their formation in 2006. Track Dogs have built quite a reputation on the European folk circuit in the interim, and this prolific quartet have now unveiled their third album in the past eighteen months in the shape of the excellent “Blind Summits & Hidden Dips.” The highly listenable contents find them tackling everything from Bill Monroe style bluegrass to funk and blues, with a splendid cover of Fleetwood Mac’s classic “Rhiannon” thrown into the mix for good measure.